By Lerato Ndlovu
Back2Jazzics in conjunction with The Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust, will host ngoma kings, Ngoma iNgoma in Bulawayo on Sunday 24 November at Alliance Francaise, as a way of stepping up their inclusivity drive for all
Zimbabwean Jazz Bands from all over the country.
Ngoma iNgoma is an Afro Fusion band from Bulawayo, inspired by the richness of the Zimbabwean and African cultural music as well as the need for continuity in our music culture in Zimbabwe.
The outfit work on the different diversity of the music culture infusing it in a unique jazzy fashion that soothes the ears and enriches the soul in a very international way whilst home grown.
Band bass Guitarist Blessing Sitotombe said Zimbabwe is rich in diverse music styles that can be infused into one sound.”Our nation is rich in diverse music styles and genres which make up part of our heritage which is passed down through generations in music.”
We have infused different cultural elements of Zimbabwean music and sound we follow our different diverse backgrounds from our different elders and senior and melt them into one sound to bring up a unique Zimbabwean sound,” said Sitotombe.
Ethnomusicologist Hector Mugani said it is always interesting when musicians pay attention and understand the texture, style and sound of instruments.
“It is always interesting to note the deep link of African music cultures and Jazz. The African scales, complex rhythms, and scale equal those used in Jazz.
“Musicians, like Ngoma iNgoma, pay attention and understand the musical texture that of the modern and traditional in a way that they bring out a refreshing style and sound,” He said. “Mbira is used in a different way it give a new life and sound for it to journey further,” added Mugani.
Back2Jazzics is a Jazz Promotions company that has given a platform to a lot of Jazz bands new and jazz legends on their weekly platform Back2Jazzics show and the annual Zimbabwe Jazz Festival both held at Chez Zandi and Alliance Franchise .
The band has performed on notable platforms like Unplugged Festival 2018 Bulawayo edition, HIFA2018, Alliance Franchise France Day 2019 in Bulawayo, Ideas Festival 2015 Bulawayo, Delta Magnum Launch with Judith Sephuma &Kunle Ayo, Routes Africa Awards 2014 with late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi (Victoria Falls) and the UNWTO Official Opening Ceremony 2013 Victoria Falls.
